Where to Stay in Nagano: 5 Best Areas & Hotels for Your Stay

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Nagano really surprised me with how much it has to offer, despite being a smaller city.

When choosing where to stay in Tokyo, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—it’s huge!

But Nagano, 20 times smaller, can also be tricky.

Should you stay near the temples or pick a ski resort in winter? Is it worth staying near the Snow Monkey Park in summer? How about staying on temple grounds? I totally get it—this puzzled us too when we planned a 3 day trip to Nagano.

In this post, we’ll answer your question, “Where to stay in Nagano?” by guiding you through the best neighbourhoods for each season, what budget travellers should look for, and where luxury seekers should splurge.

Let’s make your stay in Nagano easy that suits your style, taste and budget!

Overview of Nagano areas and types of hotels

Where you stay in Nagano depends on your planned activities—whether it’s skiing, relaxing in an onsen, exploring the city, or staying at a temple.

Nagano’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese townhouses (Machiyas) to ryokan inns, temple stays (Shukubo), budget business hotels, hostels, ski resorts, and guesthouses with private onsens.

The variety of accommodation is as diverse as that in Kyoto.

Each type of accommodation also depends on the season. For example, staying in a ski resort near Nagano is pointless if you visit in summer or spring.

Traditional Japanese ryokan room with tatami mats, a low table, floor cushions, shoji screens, and a view of a garden with greenery outside. — A typical Ryokan

Best Areas to Stay in Nagano for Tourists

Nagano Town: Ideal year-round with a temple ambiance and cherry blossoms. Ryokans, mid-range hotels, or business hotels.. Well-connected with public transport; Nagano Station is a major hub for trains and buses.
Yudanaka: Best in winter for snow monkeys and spring for onsens. Choose from traditional ryokans, onsen inns, or budget hotels. Accessible by Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka Station and buses to attractions.
Hakuba Valley: Perfect in winter for skiing and snowboarding, and summer for hiking. Offers ski resorts, luxury lodges, and budget accommodations. Public transport includes buses connecting Nagano Station and ski resorts; limited train connectivity.
Shiga Kogen: Ideal in winter for skiing and autumn for hiking. Features ski-in/ski-out lodges, resorts, and small hotels. Public transport includes buses from Nagano Station to ski areas.
Jigokudani (Snow Monkey Park): Best in winter to see snow monkeys. A few ryokans and guesthouses available. Accessible by buses from Nagano Station, with a short walk from the bus stop.

Other nearby cities

Matsumoto, Nozawa Onsen, Karuizawa, Lake Suwa, and Iiyama are all outside Nagano City, so I wouldn’t recommend them for a stay within Nagano.

Matsumoto is known for cherry blossoms and its castle, while Nozawa Onsen is great for skiing and hot springs in winter.

Karuizawa offers cool weather in summer and light snowfall in winter. Lake Suwa is perfect for lake activities in summer and scenic views in autumn. Iiyama is ideal for winter sports.

These places are accessible by trains and buses but are better for specific activities, not for central Nagano stays.

1. Nagano Town : All season favourite and ideal for everyone

Nagano town area suits first-time visitors, families, and all types of travellers. It’s perfect year-round with a calm, small-town vibe, temples, and great food.

This is where we stayed for 3 nights and it was perfect for us as a budget couple travellers

Known for Zenkoji Temple, Nagano JR Station, and Gynyu Pan. Stay options range from budget hotels, ryokans. temple stays and a few hostels.

While not ideal for skiing and with fewer onsens, it’s well-connected by public transport.

Best hotels to stay in Nagano

Local Knot Backpackers Moritomizu – Budget Hostel
A budget-friendly option near Nagano JR Station, Local Knot Backpackers offers dorms and private rooms for couples. It’s one of the most affordable places to stay. Note that there’s no lift, so carrying luggage up a spiral staircase can be a challenge, but it’s fine if you’re travelling light with a backpack
Chisun Grand Nagano – Mid-Range Business Hotel
I stayed here for three nights and recommend it for budget-conscious couples. It’s just 400m from JR Station and 2km from Zenkoji Temple. While the décor feels a bit dated, the rooms are spacious compared to other business hotels in Tokyo and Osaka. The friendly staff can arrange luggage transfers and even receive luggage in advance.
Zenkoji Shukubo – Temple Lodging, mid-range budget
For a unique experience, try staying in a temple lodging at Zenkoji Temple. There are 39 rooms where you can enjoy vegetarian meals and participate in rituals like meditation and fire ceremonies. Book directly via the temple’s website.
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan – Mid Range Ryokan
Located 250m from Zenkoji Temple, Matsuya Ryokan offers simple Japanese rooms with tatami-mat floors for a traditional vibe. Guests rave about the breakfast, especially couples. They also have a public bath for a relaxing experience.

2. Yudanaka: Onsen town and Snow Monkeys in winter

Yudanaka is perfect for families and luxury travellers, especially in winter and spring. The vibe is traditional, located on the riverbank, offering stunning views of the Japanese Alps.

It’s known for hot springs and being close to the Snow Monkey Park (15 minutes by bus)

Accommodation is mostly high-end hotels and ryokans. While it can be pricey with fewer budget options, it offers a relaxing stay and efficient public transport.

Recommended places to stay in Yudanaka Onsen town

Hotel Housei – Mid Range Budget Hotel
Budget-friendly hotel 10-min walk to Yudanaka Station. Features indoor and outdoor onsens. Ideal for travellers seeking affordability near the Snow Monkey Park.
Aburaya Tousen – Luxury Ryokan
A luxury riverside ryokan, ideal for couples. Some rooms feature private open-air onsens. Located 550m from Yudanaka Station, it’s known for seasonal kaiseki cuisine and the exclusive Nanohanakoji restaurant.
Yorozuya – Luxury Ryokan
A traditional ryokan with iconic wooden baths and historic architecture, located in the heart of Yudanaka. Just a 5-minute walk from Yudanaka Station, it’s perfect for couples or families of up to six. Guests rave about the hearty breakfast offerings.

3. Hakuba Valley : Winter sports lovers

Hakuba Valley is ideal for winter snowboarding. With hilltop resorts, it’s known for its ski slopes and scenic hiking trails in the Japanese Alps.

The two of most famous ski slopes are Hakuba Goryu, featuring a 5 km beginner-friendly slope, and Hakuba Happo-One, renowned for international competitions and Olympic-level runs.

Accommodation ranges from all-inclusive ski resorts to homestays near the slopes.

Though slightly pricey with fewer budget options, it’s perfect for a winter skiing adventure.

Heads up : Wear warm layers while visiting Hakuba. Ski outfits and gear are easily available for rent in the valley, so there’s no need to bring your own.

Best hotels and homestays near Hakuba ski slopes

Hakuba Alpine Hotel – Midrange budget
Affordable choice for couples, located within 1 km of the ski gondola lift and just a 10-minute walk from Hakuba Natural Spring.
Hakuba Inn Bloom – Family Apartments
Two-bedroom apartments, perfect for families of 4–6, with an in-house kitchen. Located 2 km from Hakuba Adam Gondola Station at the ski slope base.
Hotel Goryukan – Luxury Stay
A blend of Western and Japanese-style rooms, just 650 m from the Gondola Ski Lift. Close to Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (8-min walk) and 750 m from Hakuba Happo Onsen.

4. Shiga Kogen : for Skiing and autumn hiking

This area is perfect for skiers, adventure travellers, and families. Stay here in winter for snowboarding or in autumn for stunning foliage.

It features 18 ski resorts above 2,000 metres, with 48 lifts spanning 80 km—all accessible with one pass.

Ski slopes cater to all skill levels, from Maruike’s gentle slopes for families to Okushiga’s advanced runs.

The vibe blends hilltop resorts with riverside onsens. Known for ski slopes and lake trails in autumn, it offers all-inclusive resorts and homestays with onsen access.

Though slightly pricey with fewer budget options, it’s ideal for winter skiing and autumn escapes!

Nearby attractions include Shibu Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen (which we visited), and Snow Monkey Park (12km).

Best hotels at Shiga Kogen

Hotel Japan Shiga – Mid range budget stay for couples
One of the most affordable options in the Nagano ski area, offering rooms with shared bathrooms. Guests appreciate all-day restaurant, in-house ski rental, and proximity to the slopes. Located 2.5 km from Hoppo Onsen and ski lifts, accessible by bus. Some guests note that storage space is limited, it’s ideal for budget travellers in this pricey ski destination.
Hotel Sunny Shiga – Luxury Hotel for family of 6
Located 1.5 km from the ski lift, this hotel offers rooms with views of Tagamagahara Mammoth slopes. Spacious rooms are ideal for families. The hotel features an onsite ski rental shop, and meals (both Japanese and Western) are highly rated.

5. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani is ideal for luxury travellers and families seeking a secluded winter retreat.

Located in a peaceful forest, it offers high-end ryokans and resorts with onsen guesthouses.

While it’s a bit pricey and 3.3 km from Yudanaka with limited bus access, its proximity to the Snow Monkey Park makes it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.

Top hotels and guest houses in Jigokudani

Minshuku Miyama – Mid range budget Ryokan for couples
Located 900m from the Snow Monkey Park bus stand, Minshuku Miyama is the cheapest accommodation near Jigokudani. It offers a ryokan experience with mountain views, an open-air bath, and access to nearby hot springs.
Senjukaku hotel – Luxury Ryokan
Senjukaku offers traditional Japanese rooms with mountain views, an indoor pool, and open-air hot spring baths. Located 15 minutes from the Snow Monkey Park, it features delicious seasonal meals, free pick-up from Yudanaka Station, and private onsen.
Jigokudani Hot Spring Korakukan – Luxury ryokan for couples and families
Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan is the closest accommodation to the Snow Monkey hot springs, just 100m away. Located on the bank of the Yokoyu River, surrounded by forest, it offers a rustic ryokan experience with shared bathrooms and local food. The hotel also got a hot pool visited by the famous Japanese monkeys.

Tips on Deciding Where to Stay in Nagano

Consider the Season: Winter means skiing, but summer offers hiking and hot springs. Choose your base depending on the activities you plan.
Stay Near Transport: Pick Nagano accommodations near bus or train stations. Nagano, like other rural areas in Japan, is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore the region efficiently while keeping costs low.
Budget vs Luxury: Nagano offers everything from budget hostels to luxury ryokans. Pick based on your budget and style.
Proximity to Attractions: Stay close to key spots like Snow Monkey Park or Zenkoji Temple for a more immersive experience.
Accommodation in Ski Regions: Ski resorts can be expensive, and affordable accommodation is rare. If you’re on a budget, staying in Nagano Town and taking buses to the ski areas or booking an organised tour is a smart option.

FAQ

Best area to stay in Nagano

Nagano Station is the best for easy access to transport and key attractions like Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple.

Where to stay in Nagano for skiing

For skiing, stay near popular ski resorts like Hakuba. If on a budget, stay in Nagano Town and take a day trip.

Stay in Nagano or Matsumoto

Staying in Nagano is better than Matsumoto as it provides easy access to a variety of places—hot springs, temples, skiing, and ancient post towns—thanks to its extensive bus and railway network.

Where to stay in Nagano in winter

Nagano Town or ski regions like Hakuba are great for winter activities.

Is Nagano City worth visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting for its combination of culture, history, and nature, including Zenkoji Temple, the Snow Monkeys, and hot springs.

When should I go to Nagano?

Winter (December to February) is the best time to visit Nagano. You can see the famous snow monkeys, enjoy skiing, and explore temples and castles in the snow. While summer and spring are beautiful, seeing monkeys without snow isn’t charming.